The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg
Ira David Sternberg
200 episodes
1 day ago
Each week, Ira David Sternberg talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.
All content for The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg is the property of Ira David Sternberg and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Each week, Ira David Sternberg talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.
The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg
30 minutes 30 seconds
5 months ago
Talking With Ryan Duff – June 2, 2025
Artistic Director, Las Vegas Men’s Chorus
“Broadway Our Way,” UNLV Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, June 29
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira catches up with Ryan Duff, the passionate artistic director of the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus. The group is gearing up for its Season 32 finale, “Broadway Our Way,” at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on June 29.
In this episode, Ryan shares how 100 powerful voices will come together to reimagine beloved Broadway classics—with a twist only the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus can deliver. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the legendary composers whose work has shaped the stage and stirred souls from Broadway to the world.
Ryan opens up about his career—from globe-trotting performer to high school music director, and ultimately, to leading one of Las Vegas’ most celebrated vocal ensembles. He dives into what it takes to organize a hundred singers, manage weekly rehearsals, and cultivate harmony among a chorus of dedicated volunteers.
He also reflects on how the group navigated an identity crisis when he first came on board, the chorus’ unique buddy system to welcome new members, and the dynamic programming behind their shows—including both familiar showstoppers and surprising selections. “Broadway Our Way” features 15–20 fully memorized numbers (no reading!), choreography, and a powerful emotional core.
Ryan, a 2001 graduate of Ball State University, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Choral Music Education and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Southern Utah University in 2017. He is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Nevada Music Educators Association (NMEA), and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His leadership roles include serving as Chair of the CCSD Honor Choir since 2015 and contributing to the Nevada All-State Choir Committee. Ryan also held the position of 2020 Western Region ACDA Honor Choir Chairman and currently serves as the All-Conference Sing Coordinator for the 2022 Western Region ACDA Conference, as well as a member of the region’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. Additionally, he has served as President of the Nevada ACDA and now holds the role of Men’s Choir Repertoire & Resources Chairman.
Before transitioning to education, Ryan had a successful career as a professional singer and entertainer. He performed with Holland America Cruise Lines and at venues such as Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe. His experience also includes musical direction for regional theater productions like The Wiz, Fame: The Musical, Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Taffetas. In Las Vegas, Ryan’s performance credits include Tony & Tina’s Wedding at the Rio Hotel & Casino, The Can-Can Cabaret at the Paris Hotel & Casino, and performing as a Singing Gondolier at the Venetian Hotel & Casino.
The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg
Each week, Ira David Sternberg talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.
